A Shared Vision for Lifelong Guidance in Cyprus

Author: Euroguidance Cyprus

The cooperation between the Counselling Services of the Ministry of Education (YSEA), the Guidance Services of the Department of Labour, and EUROGUIDANCE Cyprus has become one of the most significant developments in the country’s lifelong guidance landscape. Over more than a decade, this collaboration has strengthened national capacity, improved service quality, and aligned Cyprus with European best practices in guidance and mobility. The annual European Conference on Lifelong Guidance, which in 2026 celebrated its 12th year, stands as the flagship achievement of this joint effort 

The Ministry of Education’s Counselling Services (YSEA) and the Department of Labour’s guidance units historically operated in parallel, each serving different populations which includes students, jobseekers and adults in transition. Their mandates were complementary but not fully connected. The emergence of EUROGUIDANCE Cyprus created a bridge between these systems, promoting a shared understanding of lifelong guidance as a continuum rather than a set of isolated services. 

EUROGUIDANCE Cyprus initiated structured dialogue between the two bodies, encouraging them to explore common challenges such as digitalisation of guidance, labour market transitions, and the evolving needs of young people and adults. Through peer‑learning sessions and joint workshops, practitioners from both systems began exchanging methodologies, tools, and case studies, building trust and professional synergy. 

Creating Spaces for Exchange and Innovation 

One of EUROGUIDANCE Cyprus’ most impactful contributions has been its ability to bring different groups together. By organising thematic meetings, study visits, and cross-sectoral discussions, it enabled YSEA counsellors and labour guidance officers to learn from each other’s realities. These exchanges helped identify gaps in service provision and inspired new approaches, such as integrated career education activities, shared labour market intelligence, and coordinated support for vulnerable groups. 

The annual European Conference on Lifelong Guidance became the central platform for this cooperation. Over twelve years, it evolved into a respected regional event attracting experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across Europe. The conference offered YSEA and Department of Labour staff opportunities to present their work, engage with European innovations, and co-develop ideas that later shaped national practice. 

EUROGUIDANCE Cyprus acted as a catalyst, ensuring that cooperation was not episodic but continuous. Its role in organising conferences, facilitating peer learning, and promoting European mobility helped embed a culture of collaboration that now defines the Cypriot guidance ecosystem. 

A Model for Lifelong Guidance Collaboration 

By 2026, the 12th European Conference on Lifelong Guidance symbolised more than an anniversary—it marked the maturity of a partnership that transformed how guidance is understood and delivered in Cyprus. The cooperation between YSEA, the Department of Labour, and EUROGUIDANCE Cyprus demonstrates how cross-sectoral collaboration can elevate national systems, empower practitioners, and ultimately support citizens in navigating education, work, and lifelong learning.